So here I am sitting going over my to do list, the first thing most of us do every day and without thought we list the usually things, the house, the bills, the odd jobs that need to be done, the kids school, the job, etc. etc. and the list goes on and on. Then while still sitting here having my cup of coffee that is half cold now I think I need to get a walk in today or at the very least a 10 min. work out in, because after all it's better to get at least 10 minutes in than no time at all, ...

So here I am sitting going over my to do list, the first thing most of us do every day and without thought we list the usually things, the house, the bills, the odd jobs that need to be done, the kids school, the job, etc. etc. and the list goes on and on. Then while still sitting here having my cup of coffee that is half cold now I think I need to get a walk in today or at the very least a 10 min. work out in, because after all it's better to get at least 10 minutes in than no time at all, right? Then I think what am I doing? I set a goal for myself to eat healthier, to work out each day and I am sitting here with good intentions but writing myself completely out of my day. No where on my list is any mention of my goals, my wants and my needs and I think most of us are guilty of this. It' not that we want to be selfish, or that we do not care about our loved ones, it's just that we have put so much of what we perceive as caring for them and the house hold needs so much in our paths that we have stopped knowing and caring about ourselves. I am no help to someone if I am sick, I can't go to work, I can't meet the bills and I can't be very friendly to be around if I am not happy with me. How many of us have sat around and the only thing on our minds is our weight, how we look, how others must see us, do we really want these thoughts and this time to be the only time we consider ourselves into the quotation. I say no it is time for ME time. Make our health and happiness find it's self at the top of the list and watch our familes and home benefit from it. For example last evening instead of getting into the kitchen right away to do the dishes immediately after dinner, I went outside, yes the dishes were sitting in the sink and I played tag with a four year old at the my ripe age of 51. On top of that I had made two other adults play tag too. Did we look crazy to our neighbors? Probably, did I care, no, but the little boy did, and Guess what! My house did not fall down, the dishes did not go anywhere, the fashion police did not arrive and give me a ticket! Can you imagine that? So after all that fun in the back yard, I still got the housework done, I might very well have burned off some extra calories and I had the best sleep I have had in a very long time and I got to sleep with a silly smile on my face. So if your to do list doesn't have you at the top of your list, than erase what is there or move it down a notch and make room for the ME on your list. Enjoy yourself and the everything will follow!

My Goals:
As of today February 23, 2011 my goals are: Eat to be healthy, Exercise because I need it and enjoy it, take time out of each day to make someone else smile and Laugh out loud because I can.

My Program:
I have a set up a small gym at home, and I talk to everyone in my family, most are obese, I want to encourge them to lose the weight, to become more healthier and to let them know I love them and need them around for a long time

Personal Information:
I was born and raised here in Michigan, have been in the military, lived in Georgia, Flordia, and Texas but home is here, where my heart is. I have 5 beautiful grand babies and 3 fantastic grown children. I love being a MOM, but I love GRANDMA hood so much more.

Other Information:
I have found that a Smile is contagious and that once shared will come right back at you. So Spread it around you will feel better for it.

Hey it is great to see your back. I hear you have been trying very hard. That is a good sign. You haven't given up on your self. Me neither. I am still plugging along. Not gaining not loosing but up 1 down 1. O well. Just completed my March of dimes walk, and and still walking around for things. Just was asked to join a team for Alzheimer in September so I am on board with that. I didn't eve ask how long the walk was....O well.

You were probably wondering what makes Sparks different than all the other weight loss, fitness, nutrition websites. Well, the main thing is that it is free so there is absolutely no pressure to push you past your comfort zone. Second, it's all about the baby steps. Most websites want you to change everything at once but Sparks is about making right choices - not changing your life (your life will change automatically while on Sparks).

I was on here about 2 years ago and lost all the weight I wanted. Since then, my weight has started to creep back up because there was no longer a support system and I didn't see what I was eating (or how often I sat on my expanding rear). I've only been back since Monday and I've already lost a pound - just by walking on the treadmill and realizing how poorly I was eating.

So, welcome! There have been so many success stories here that I'm sure they will add your name to the list in no time!

Welcome to SparkPeople! Are you competitive by nature? One of my daily goals is to hit 100 SparkPoints. When I do that, I've not only read articles, I've interacted with other members by reading and commenting on their blogs and writing my own blog. 100 points gets me here and gets me active each and every day.

When I started, I made the commitment to workout daily and write a blog about it. On days when I don't feel like doing it, I think about the blog I need to write and I certainly do NOT want to write that I was lazy and did not work out.

Write about your goals (that's what all the goal-setting gurus write about) and make the goals public on your page. Write about it on your blog every day.

Weight loss = calorie maintenance, cardio, and strength. Calorie maintenance is every day, cardio is at least five days per week, and strength is 3 to 4 days per week. I believe you need all three for a successful weight loss and fitness program.

Above all, be consistent. Doing something toward you goal every day will pay big rewards over the next few months or a year. You can do this!

Hi and welcome back to Spark People where you will find lots of information and tons of support and encouragement from all our members. You will find that we also have fun along the way. Drink your 8-8oz glasses of water a day (If you only drink one now, add to as you are able until you are drinking your 8 cups or more a day), watch your portion control (measure everything in the beginning...guaranteed it will get easier) and walk, dance or do any exercise you enjoy (start with 10 minutes a day or several times a day and add to it as you are able or have time). Use your fitness and nutrition tracker daily (guaranteed to work if you use them consistently and honestly). Pick one thing to change...one thing at a time. Don't try to change to many things at once as that can be very overwhelming. Just try to take one step, one minute, one hour, one day, one week at a time. They honestly will all add up to the bigger numbers. These tips will definitely help in lowering your numbers and increasing your ability to enjoy life. Don't expect miracles right away...this is a lifestyle change not a diet. You will be much healthier in the long run. Post any concerns, comments or questions you may have and someone will respond quickly. Start each day with a positive thought just for that day. Reading and reflecting on an inspirational thought or message before you start your day can put you in a positive frame of mind. Your thoughts determine whether you have a good day or a bad day. Fill your mind with positive ideas, suggestions, and thoughts. You will find it will change your attitude and changing your attitude can change your life. Sometimes just reading an inspirational quote or a short paragraph helps one see the positive in a situation. Sometimes as your day progresses you just need to take a break...Take a mental break and read or think about a message of inspiration. Never underestimate your power to change and improve! You are a good person, with wonderful qualities, and you can reach your goals! If I can be of any help to you, please let me know with a spark mail or a comment on my page. I am here for you. God bless you on your journey to a healthier you. Hugs, Helen